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Speedcraft Volkswagen e-Golf Giveaway These days, drivers are always looking to save. Whether it’s the environment or the cash in their pocket, drivers will have a hard time finding a better opportunity to save than the Speedcraft Volkswagen e-Golf Giveaway Sweepstakes. With this unique event, one lucky Rhode Island driver will be able to get behind the wheel of a new 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf for free because of the amazing lease deals. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we definitely understand the appeal of the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf. Not only does it provide excellent style and features, but the performance and efficiency to match. The well-rounded and versatile EV is a must-have for Rhode Island drivers, which is why we want to give you this chance to win a model of your own. If you stop by our dealership between March 17th and April 22, you’ll have the opportunity to fill out an entry form to enter our Speedcraft Volkswagen e-Golf Giveaway Sweepstakes. The drawing for the winner will be held on April 22 promptly at 1:30 p.m. so we are requiring all entries to be in before noon. You have nothing to lose and a whole lot of savings to gain by entering, so we encourage you to stop by or fill out a form here on our site, which you can do by clicking the button below! By entering the sweepstakes, you have the opportunity of winning a new 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE, which features a MSRP of $29,950. The winner’s prize is given in the form of a lease for the e-Golf for one year for free with a maximum of 7,500 miles. The winner is responsible for any excess mileage and will be charged $0.20 per mile over at the end of the year’s lease. At the end of the lease, the winner can choose to purchase the e-Golf for an amazingly low price of $15,574. Overall, the prize is valued at $2,407.27! A great opportunity to save! As you are probably well-aware, the winner of our sweepstakes stands to save a whole lot of cash. Not only will they save in terms of their payment-free yearlong lease, but that also means an entire year free of the gas station, which is guaranteed to add up to some serious savings. If you have any questions about the Speedcraft Volkswagen e-Golf Giveaway Sweepstakes, feel free to contact us here by clicking the button below to fill out a form or come and visit us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. See below for additional terms and info. Speedcraft Volkswagen e-Golf Sweepstakes Official Rules Open to Rhode Island residents, at least 21 years old with a valid RI license No purchase necessary to enter or win One entry per household Non-transferable The winner must be credit worthy to be approved by VW Credit for the lease The winner is responsible for all taxes, registration and insurance. Vehicle must be registered in RI Winner responsible for full coverage insurance with 100/300/50 limits Must register to win at Speedcraft Volkswagen 104 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI or by mail by mailing a 3” x 5” postcard to Speedcraft VW PO Box 5619, Wakefield, RI 02880 with full name, address, phone # and email address. Winner cannot be employee, immediate family member or affiliate of Speedcraft Volkswagen or Volkswagen of America All entries must be received by April 22, 2016 by noon. Every entry authorizes Speedcraft Volkswagen to contact contestant by either phone and/or email Entering this sweepstakes constitutes acceptance of these terms and privacy policies Odds of winning depend on the total number of entries Speedcraft Volkswagen is not responsible for lost or stolen entries One new 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf SE MSRP $29950 lease for one year with maximum of 7500 miles. Winner responsible for excess mileage charge of $.20 per mile over at lease end.  Purchase option of $15,574 at lease end is available to winner.  Prize valued at $2407.24 Winner will also receive $2,500 from the state of RI Drawing to be held at Speedcraft Volkswagen April 22, 2016 at 1:30pm

2015 Holiday events in Providence RI Looking for some fun events to do with your friends or family? Well, there’s plenty to do in the great city of Providence, RI. With plenty of fun for people of all ages, we encourage you and the family take a trip north to visit all of the great things Providence has to offer. Whether you’re looking for entertainment for young kids or a fun afternoon spent with friend, there’s a great holiday event in Providence that’s right for you. Below you’ll find a few of the events available this month. Holiday Lantern Tour December 18 Take an evening walk around Brick Market: Museum and Shop and learn the history of early American holiday traditions. Great for families of all ages, attendees learn how colonial Newporters recognized the holidays. Hot mulled cider and Stonewall Kitchen tasting included. Learn to Skate December 19 (recurring weekly) What better time than the holidays to strap on those skates and visit the Boss Ice Arena in Kingston where learn-to-skate sessions are available throughout the year? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skill, each class is an hour with a full session lasting eight weeks. Designed by the United States Figure Skating Association, after the Basic Skills Program, you feel just as comfortable on the ice as you do off. A Christmas Carol Recurring daily thru December 31 A performance of the classic Dickens novel, this year with Artistic Director Curt Columbus, the attendees of all ages are sure to enjoy watching Ebenezer Scrooge learn the true meaning of Christmas. The show is great for the whole family, or as an evening spent with friends. Happy New Year! At Providence Children’s Museum December 31 From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., celebrate the end of the year with the family and children create noisemakers and other hand-made instruments to join in a small parade and ball drop. Great for families with young children who won’t be staying up to watch the real ball drop. The event is free with museum admittance, which is free for museum members, $9.00 for non-members. Holiday deals at Speedcraft Volkswagen Of course, these are just a few of the great events available near Wakefield RI. There’s much more available to people of all ages. If you need any assistance finding a fun event or would like more recommendations, feel free to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. It’s also worth noting that now through the beginning of January, we’re hosting our Sign then Drive Event here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. This event offers customers a great opportunity of getting a new vehicle at a great price without all of the hassle. Feel free to contact us for more information. Happy Holidays from Speedcraft Volkswagen!

2016 VW for sale in Rhode Island Interested in getting behind the wheel of the latest vehicles in the Volkswagen line? Look no further than Speedcraft Volkswagen. Here at our dealership, we have a selection of 2016 models available for you to choose from. All of which come equipped with the latest interior technology and fuel saving capability. If you like to stay ahead of the curve, you might opt for a new 2016 model. A majority of the new 2016 VW models feature the new MIB II infotainment system, which is a major draw over the 2015 models for a lot of drivers. The new infotainment system gives drivers better connectivity behind the wheel. It provides use of convenient in-car apps and other features designed to provide drivers with easier access to their media, so they can focus more on driving. VW models in our inventory Whether you’re looking for a commuter car to take you to work and back, or need a spacious SUV to drive the kids around, we've got it here for you. Just take a look at our inventory, and we’re sure that you’ll find what you’re looking for. The new arrivals to our inventory include multiple models of the following: 2016 Volkswagen Jetta 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 Volkswagen CC 2016 Volkswagen Golf 2016 Volkswagen GTI 2016 Volkswagen SportWagen 2016 Volkswagen Eos 2016 Volkswagen Touareg 2016 Volkswagen Beetle All of these models are gasoline-powered and offer great fuel efficiency, making them ideal for everyday driving. Multiple trim levels of most model are available, so if you’re looking to upgrade to a vehicle with additional features. If you’d like to learn more about the different trims of each model, you can take a look at the pages of individual vehicles. You can also contact us here and our expert staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you’re interested in test driving any of our new vehicles, feel free to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We can schedule an appointment for you to come and take any model you’re interested out for a drive when it’s convenient for you.

Rhode Island Potholes are wreaking havoc around the state. Avoidance Tips and Easy pothole Inspections. It’s that time of year again. As the snow and ice recede after another brutal winter (we hope the worst is behind us), we see the damage that months of freezing, thawing, and plowing have done to our Rhode Island roads. We don’t have Spring here, we have Pothole Season. And it’s wicked this year. Rhode Island Pothole Problems have been especially brutal to cars throughout the state. We encourage all drivers to read our Pothole Avoidance Tips, and to bring their car in for a quick Pothole Inspection if it’s been jostled a bit too much this season. Pothole Avoidance Tips You’re not going to be able to stop mother nature from wreaking havoc on Rhode Island roads in winter, leaving us with so many dips, divots and holes that they become impossible to safely dodge. But we have a few Pothole Avoidance Tips, so you stand your best chance against, and your car can get through this season in one piece. Tire Pressure - Make sure your tires are properly inflated this time of year. The right amount of tire pressure is crucial to having a good buffer between your rim and the broken pavement. Not too firm or too soft. Leave Room - Tailgating is a primary reason why you didn’t see that big pothole coming. You will spot the big ones before its too late if you just leave a reasonable amount of room between yourself and the car in front of you. Steer Clear of Puddles - Rhode Islanders know that often those tiny little puddles are potholes in disguise. This time of year, there’s no telling how deep a little bit of water really is. If possible, avoid them if you can, or proceed through them with greater caution. Rhode Island Pothole Inspection Rhode Island Potholes are no laughing matter. We might be the smallest state, but we unquestionably have the biggest divots in our roads. When you hit ‘the big one’ you know it. You wait for your tires to deflate, or your car to start pulling to one side, or any number of other symptoms that let you know your car is hurting. If you hit the big one, or just too many to count, you need some peace of mind and assurance that your car is ok. We recommend you stop in for a quick Pothole Inspection. In Rhode Island especially, it’s important to stay ahead of the small problems before they balloon into something catastrophic. A Pothole Inspection is quick and easy. We will get you in and out as quickly as possible. We quickly check the following: - Tire puncture or damage - Wheel rim damage - Premature wear on shocks and struts - Suspension damage - Steering system misalignment - Exhaust system damage - Engine damage NOTE: If your car was damaged by a pothole in Rhode Island, and your vehicle is registered in Rhode Island, you are probably eligible for reimbursement of up to $300. You can learn more about being reimbursed for pothole damage here.

Speedcraft Volkswagen is thrilled to offer U.S. News & World Report’s Best Compact Car and Best Sports Car for the Money. Since 2007, the U.S. News & World Report has been issuing an annual ranking for the vehicles with the best long-term value in their class and the most positive consumer reviews. Each year, the vehicles of each class with the highest score are ranked as the year’s best cars for the money. The 2015 Best Cars for the Money report issued was just released, and it names not one but two Volkswagen vehicles as the best bang for your buck. Every car, truck, SUV, and van in the country is a contender for the Best Cars for the Money ranking, but only 21 vehicles total can be selected. One for each category. Each model is ranked based on a combination of consumer reports, positive reviews, and overall long-term value of the vehicle. This year’s awards for the 2015 Best Cars for the Money covered 21 specific automotive categories, spanning the entirety of all cars, trucks and SUVs sold in the United States. Volkswagen had two big winners this year. The sports car with the best value in the United States is the 2015 Volkswagen GTI, and the compact with the best value in the United States is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf. The VW GTI is the sporty, ultra-high-performing sister of the VW Golf. While it doesn’t look like the other classic, speedy sports cars that make up the class, everyone who drives it is in agreement that the aggressive and nimble handling and ultra smooth powertrain is out of this world. Dollar-for-dollar, consumers and experts list the GTI at the top of the list in terms of power and performance per dollar. The 2015 VW Golf has been named this year’s car of the year more times than we can count. And now there’s another feather in this unbeatable compact car’s proverbial hat. As the most valuable compact car of 2015, the new Golf proves that it’s one of those cars that ticks all the boxes, and it does everything better than every other car in its class. Unbeatable gas milage, versatile cargo space, durability, and a truly best-in-class cabin make it the best compact car for the money. The U.S. News & World Report rankings are no small matter. Since 1933 U.S. News & World Report has been enabling and empowering customers to make more informed buying decisions, providing consumer advice and rankings with a variety of focuses, including automotive. This most recent report speaks volumes about the direction in which Volkswagen is headed. Building best-in-class vehicles that are built to last a generation or more, and offering them at a highly competitive price is the VW way. If you are interested in the 2015 VW Golf or the 2015 VW GTI now that both have been officially ranked as the 2015 Best Cars for the Money, please let us know so we can get you behind the wheel and you can see what all the fuss is about.

Holiday Events in Providence RI 2014 Have you noticed that, in our haste to cover almost everything winter or holiday-related, our Speedcraft VW blog has covered mostly things that only cause more stress? Driving in snow? Buying gifts for people? Enough! Let’s party! Here are some of our favorite holiday events in the Providence area, each of which promises to ease any burden you might have accumulated over the past eleven months. Enjoy! Christmas in Newport -- Newport, RI -- Runs through December 31st Now entering its 44th year, Christmas in Newport has been an area holiday staple for generations. Its candlelit charm highlights the area’s rich history and iconic architecture, with special attention to the sense of community that has helped to make the area so noteworthy. Additionally, this event helps to raise thousands of dollars for charity every year, making it an event that truly captures the spirit of the season. A Christmas Carol -- Chace Theater, Providence -- Runs through December 31st Here’s a little-known fact: Christmas as we know it wouldn’t be possible were it not for A Christmas Carol, which is widely credited with making community, forgiveness and generosity commonly-held themes of the season. Go ahead, look it up. So, why not see a terrific take on the classic tale, as told by the Trinity Repertory Company? Christmas at Blithewood -- Bristol, RI -- Runs through January 4th At the Blithewood Mansion, located in Bristol, all are welcome this Christmas. As the centerpiece of many yearly events, it’s little surprise that the Blithewood mansion and gardens factors into the Christmas season as well. Enjoy the enormous Colonial Revival-style home in all its holiday splendor with this years theme, “All Are Welcome.” Rooms are outfitted to reflect both the design of the time and the spirit of the season, and will be a great escape for those of all ages. A Very Special Christmas WaterFire -- Waterplace Park, Providence -- December 19th This amazing event now enters its fourth year, with proceeds benefiting the work of the Providence Rescue Mission. There will be a Santa's Village display, a toy and food drive and, of course, the lighting of the awesome spectacle in the heart of Providence. This one is not to be missed. 4th Annual Dam Good Toy Drive -- Comedy Connection, East Providence -- December 18th Okay, we’ve waded through high culture, why not enjoy some giggles for a great cause? For the fourth year, Comedy Connection is collecting toys for local children. For one night only--Thursday, December 18th--bring a toy to receive a free ticket to the night’s show, and laugh all while knowing that you’re giving back to the area’s needy. And hurry, because tickets are going fast! Well, there you have it. Five terrific ideas to help make this holiday season your most memorable yet. And, if you’d like to share some of your Christmas cheer with us, we’d love to see you. Come pay us a visit at Speedcraft VW!

96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event This coming weekend, and only for this coming weekend, we are featuring a special event at Speedcraft VW, “The 96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event.” However, before we turn you loose to descend on our Providence-area dealership, we figure we’d better answer any and all questions you might have regarding this exciting sales opportunity. So, what should you know about our “96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event?” First off, what does “Whole-Tail” mean? To put it simply, “Whole-tail” means that, for the 96 hours of the sale, shoppers will receive the lowest pricing of the year on a large selection of trucks, SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. For these four days, wholesale pricing will be available to the retail public. Once the four-day sale is over, the prices will return to normal. When will the sale be held? Beginning on Friday, November 7th, and running through Monday, November 10th, this special pricing will be available at Speedcraft VW. However, there are a limited number of vehicles available for this sale, and once a particular vehicle is off the lot, well, it isn’t coming back. Wow, this sounds urgent. Is there any way I can speed up the process? There certainly is. We now feature a number of terrific tools and financing helpers on our website, which might allow shoppers to come away with financing as low as 0.9% APR. Additionally, if you’re planning on trading in a vehicle to help in your payment for your next “Whole-tail” purchase, you can use our simple AutoTrader Trade-In Marketplace tool to get a good idea of what your vehicle is worth! So what do I do next? Get to Speedcraft VW, obviously! This sale begins on Friday morning, bright and early, and once it’s over, it’s over! So get in touch with our dealership, easily secure your financing, and get ready to drive away with the vehicle of your dreams as part of our “96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event!”

Five Day Trips near Providence RI When we talk about the exceptional traits found in our vehicles at Speedcraft VW, we certainly touch on all the tangible factors such as fuel economy, cost of ownership and the overall inexpensiveness of purchasing a Volkswagen. Just last week, in fact, we discussed the abundance of terrific and top-rated vehicles available at Speedcraft VW for under $30,000. But when we talk about what draws us to a vehicle, there is often something more unspoken that exists, and that is this: road-trip readiness. Granted, this is a convoluted concept. Fuel efficiency, dependability, interior comfort and convenience features all certainly play a part. Luckily, these are all areas where Volkswagens unquestionably excel. Rhode Island drivers are doubly lucky, however, because the area is also loaded with exciting destinations. So where to take your road-trip ready Volkswagen? Enjoy these five Providence-area day trips, from your friends at Speedcraft VW! The Watch Hill Lighthouse was first constructed in 1745. Watch Hill, RI — One Hour from Providence -- For a quiet beachgoing experience, few can touch what is found in Watch Hill. You won’t experience the crowds associated with the more metropolitan locations, and there are a large array of great sights to see. Visit the Flying Horse Carousel, the oldest continuously operated carousel in the United States. Also stop by the famed Ocean House Hotel, the Watch Hill Lighthouse first built in 1745, and try to keep a watchful eye open for Conan O’Brien, who reportedly keeps a home there. (So does Taylor Swift, if you must know.) Bristol, RI — ½ Hour from Providence -- Bristol is less of a secret than Watch Hill, though no less impressive. Apart from the terrific hotels, shopping and restaurants, it also offers great views of Narragansett Bay and a number of fascinating historical tidbits as well. Visit the Herreschoff Marine Museum as well as the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, as well as the beautiful Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum. Mystic, CT — One Hour from Providence -- Located just across the Connecticut state line, Mystic is certainly a town all its own. The history of Mystic shapes its present, with evidence of its shipbuilding past informing the Mystic Seaport, complete with museum and variety of seagoing vessels. With attractions such as the Mystic Aquarium and Groton Submarine Museum also located nearby, there are no shortage of activities to easily fill up an entire day. The area's rich history of whaling and shipbuilding is evident in Mystic, CT. New Bedford, MA — ½ Hour from Providence -- Another significant history lesson can be found in New Bedford, understandably nicknamed “The Whaling City.” Visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum, set within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Also available is the Ocean Explorium, which provides the entire family with an up-to-date understanding of the oceans of today, fully rounding out the experience the area shares with the seafaring life. And, last but not least… Speedcraft VW, Wakefield, RI — ¾ Hour from Providence --  A can’t-miss trip! Visit our dealership to view our full inventory of new and used Volkswagen vehicles, and enjoy the top-rated service found in the area. And, with a full service department, let us help to create a maintenance schedule that will keep your vehicle running at optimum levels for years to come! We trust that these recommendations will help with any day-trip planning coming up this summer; pay us a visit soon at Speedcraft VW!

2014 Newport Folk Fest Overview The last weekend in July means different things to different people. For some, it signals the beginning of what is generally accepted to be the hottest stretch of the year. Others recognize this weekend as the kickoff for NFL training camps. However, for those among us in southern Rhode Island--or those of us who just have a keen artistic and musical interest--it heralds the return of the Newport Folk Fest, perhaps the area’s greatest cultural contribution (narrowly edging out the Farrelly Brothers, of course). But what is the Newport Folk Fest all about, really? Enjoy this brief overview of the Newport Folk Fest, from your friends at Speedcraft VW! Joan Baez and Bob Dylan are among the unofficial founders of the Folk Fest. Folk Fest’s Iconic History -- Founded in 1959 just as folk music was gaining a wider audience, the Folk Festival was introduced as a sibling to the established Newport jazz Festival. In short order, it became the launching pad for a number of world-famous folk musicians such as Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, and grew to feature multi-genre musicians such as Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Although it went on hiatus from 1971 to 1985, it has run continually since then, drawing over 10,000 fans each time. Dylan Goes Electric -- It may seem comical today, but in the mid-1960s, folk musicians were expected to remain acoustic, and Bob Dylan was the patron saint of such belief. So, when he went onstage on July 25th, 1965 and played an all-electric set, the reaction was that of stunned shock. However, evidence suggests that the fans at Newport--generally a genial group, if we may say so ourselves--weren’t nearly as upset as was reported, and that the majority of the uproar belonged to those who read about it later. Either way, Dylan’s reputation as a trailblazer--and as an always-welcome addition to the Folk Fest roster--was secure. Great music, great weather, great people-watching. Newport Folk Fest has it all. This Year’s Fest -- To the surprise of no one, this year’s Folk Fest features a diverse and talented lineup, with many acts we at Speedcraft VW can personally recommend. Friday sees such can’t-miss performers such as reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, ethereal popsters Band of Horses and up-and-coming folk wunderkinds PHOX. On Saturday, you can enjoy the genre-bending style of Jack White, pop-bluegrass titans Nickel Creek, and actor-cum-troubadour act John Reilly & Friends. Finally, Sunday closes out the weekend with shows from Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, acoustic magicians Rodrigo y Gabriela, and midwestern bluegrass fan-faves Trampled by Turtles. Overall, a lineup as great as any on record. Some Quick Tips -- If you plan on attending, know some basics. Attendees are allowed one small hand-held cooler per person, with no alcohol or glass containers permitted. Also, to provide ample room and visibility for all who attend, you may only bring a blanket 8’x10’ or smaller, and only low-backed chairs are allowed. And, if you plan on bringing a beach umbrella or your dog, leave them at home, because they aren’t allowed. We hope everyone has a wonderful time at this year’s Newport Folk Fest! And, when you’re ready to view a vehicle roster as diverse as any Folk Fest lineup in recent memory, pay us a visit at Speedcraft VW, located in nearby Wakefield, RI!

Speedcraft VW wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day! July 4th Events in Rhode Island 2014 While our vehicles might be European in their engineering, we at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, RI, are brimming with American pride. This is never more true than during our yearly Independence Day celebrations, as we occupy an area of the country that is peppered with historical and geographical locations that help make the events extra special. But have you made your plans for the holiday yet? Here are a few 4th of July events in southern Rhode Island to consider when you’re making your itinerary, courtesy of your friends at Speedcraft VW. Bristol Celebrates July 4th! — Bristol, RI — July 3rd & 4th The nearby city of Bristol, RI, can lay claim to the title of “America’s Oldest 4th of July Celebration,” and this year is their 229th. Their festivities kick off on Thursday night with live music at Independence Park in downtown Bristol, and continue with fireworks over Bristol Harbor at 9:30pm. The events continue the next morning at 10:30am with the 4th of July Parade through downtown Bristol. Get there early to secure your spots along the parade route! Bristol's 4th of July celebration is the oldest in America. BankRI Independence Day Celebration 2014 — India Point Park, Providence, RI — July 4th The July 4th celebration in Rhode Island’s largest city promises to be among the major draws in the area, kicking off at 7:30pm with a free concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. The concert is followed by a fireworks display at 9:15 at India Point Park, and for a little additional excitement, you can park your boat in the bay for the show! Rose Island Lighthouse BBQ & Fireworks — Newport, RI — July 4th While you can always watch the Newport fireworks show free-of-charge from locations such as Fort Adams State Park, this event demands attention. Take a ferry from Newport Harbor at 5:30pm to Rose Island for a delicious meal and great music, then watch the fireworks from across Narragansett Bay. Prices are $85 for adults and $35 for children ages 6-12, and reservations are required. Jamestown Fireworks 2014 — Jamestown, RI — July 5th For those who are busy during the early part of the weekend, this event may bet the best option. Taking place at East Ferry Beach on Saturday, the show is free-of-charge (although donations are accepted), and begins at 9pm. The fireworks are launched from a barge near the ferry landing, giving viewers a terrific vantage for viewing. We at Speedcraft VW would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July, and hope to see you soon at our Volkswagen dealership in nearby Wakefield, RI!